Club By-Laws as last updated January 6, 2024 are listed below. All new members must read and adhere to these bylaws (rules and regulations) which have evolved over the years to protect the forests, private property, the lands that we own and lease and for the safety of all members.
BY-LAWS of ROBINWOOD PARK
Article I Name and goal of the Club:
1. This Club is to be known as Robinwood Park.
2. The purpose of this Club shall be to lease property with hunting and fishing rights for the recreation of the members and their families.
3. Each member and his/her family shall be entitled to use the facilities and land leased by the Club provided that he or she, observe the laws and regulations of the State of New York pertaining to hunting, fishing, and other recreation as well as the limitations imposed by the Club.
Article II Membership:
A member is defined as a person who has applied for and has been approved to join Robinwood Park. Said person, is the person whose name is put forth on the application form for membership. He / she has the right to access the lease for recreational purposes and vote at the annual meetings upon payment of dues.
An associate member is defined as sons or daughters of members or deceased members desiring to hunt, fish, or use the Club. These sons / daughters shall be required to become an associate member upon reaching their 18th birthday. Sons or daughters must be full time students or in the Armed Forces and under the age of 25 to be an associate member.
Family is defined as a spouse / significant other, son / daughter who are full – time students or in the armed forces and under the age of 25.
A guest is defined as one adult (18 years of age or older), a couple, or a married couple and children less than 18 years of age who visit the club for any period of time.
1. The number of full members shall be limited to 145. This may be changed only upon approval of a quorum majority, of the board of directors.
2. The number of winter members shall be limited to 10. This may be changed only upon approval of a quorum majority, of the board of directors.
3. Persons will be accepted into membership or associate membership upon approval by Club President and payment of dues. Persons interested in joining the Club will place a $50 deposit with the Club Treasurer and his/her name will be placed on a waiting list. If no openings are available as of May 1st of the current year, his/her deposit will be retained. If an opening is offered to the depositor and he/she declines, his/her deposit will be refunded upon request.
4. The Club Treasurer shall be required to maintain a list of all persons accepted for membership. Sons and daughters of members, or deceased members, 18 years of age and older shall be given priority to become members. Sons or daughters of members or deceased members desiring to hunt, fish, or use the Club shall be required to become associate members upon reaching their 18th birthday. Sons or daughters must be full time students or in the Armed Forces and under the age of 25 to be an associate member.
5. Dues for associate members shall be $50. Associate members will not be qualified to vote or be liable for payments of assessments other than dues.
6. Members shall be subject to forfeiture of membership and dues for failure to pay dues and assessments, as required, for failure to abide by the laws and regulations of the State of New York pertaining to hunting and fishing, for failure to abide by the by-laws and rules established by this Club, and for conduct detrimental to the purpose of the Club. Members must respect other members at all times. Any member causing a fight will be automatically dismissed from the Club. Any member creating a disturbance will be warned by a letter that his/her membership is in jeopardy and will be dismissed if such an event recurs due to his/her fault. Dues will be forfeited in those cases where dismissal results from fighting or disturbing the peace. If said person owns any Units or Shares for Sabattis Station LLC, upon expulsion from the club and does not wish to retain such Units or Shares, it is up to that person to sell their Units or Shares. The Club will not be required to purchase them back from the person. Persons so dismissed will be ineligible for guest privileges.
7. Annual dues will be determined by the Board of Directors and are payable on or before May 15th or spring work weekend, whichever is later. Any membership not repurchased by this date will be offered to the first party on the waiting list. Additional assessments (if necessary) shall be levied upon approval of a majority of the Board of Directors. A member will not be qualified to vote at meetings unless he / she is current on all dues, assessments, guest fees, or other monies due the Club. Members will not be refunded dues if resigning before the end of the Club year. Dues may be paid in 2 installments with the first payment being due before May 15th and the second payment being due by August 1st. Installment amounts will be determined by the Board of Directors. Members who are delinquent in dues payment will forfeit the privilege of utilizing the 2-payment plan. A $50 late payment fee will be assessed to members whose payment is received after each due date and late fees will increase by 10% each month that any payment is overdue.
8. Snowmobile/Winter memberships are available only to new members or a former member that had left the club in good standings. Said former member has to be out of the club for a minimum of 5 years to take advantage of these memberships. These memberships shall begin after big game season has ended and are available as follows:
-A. $150.00 annually for Snowmobile/Winter membership only, person must be associated with a
current camp owner and stay with said member. This membership allows this 1 person to bring a guest
as well to the club. Any additional guest, there will be a $5.00/night guest fee assigned to the member.
There will be a limit of 5 of these type memberships per year.
-B. $250.00 annually for a Snowmobile/Winter membership for snowmobiling and small game
hunting. This membership allows this 1 person to bring a guest as well to the club. If said member’s
guest wants to hunt, there will be an additional $25.00/day/guest to hunt small game. Guest fees will
apply for every guest above 1. This membership allows the use of club cabins.
9. Returned checks will be subject to a $20 processing fee.
10. New members (excluding former Robinwood members) joining after September 1st may have a portion of their first year’s membership fee credited toward their second year’s annual dues as determined by the board (the “second-year membership credit” is currently $300.00). Remaining membership dues for the second year will be paid in full by May 15 or spring work weekend, whichever is later.
11. Former members may rejoin Robinwood as a full member at any time but cannot take advantage of the second-year membership credit if they have been out of the club for less than 5 years. The board may approve the credit if special circumstances exist and the member requests a waiver.
12. Former full members may not become a winter-only member for 5 years following their last full
membership year. The board may approve the credit if special circumstances exist and the member requests a waiver.
13. New members joining after the end of big game season may have all of their monies applied to membership dues for the following year. Former members may not take advantage of this plan during the first 5 years following their last full-membership year.
14. The Club Secretary shall issue a membership card and badge to each member and associate member upon payment of dues.
15. A member that violates any Club By-Law or Rule of any kind will be subject to a minimum fine of $50.00 for their first offense. Said member will have the option of coming before the Board of Directors to appeal the fine. Any outstanding fine after review of the appeal process will be due by said member. Depending upon the severity of the violation, expulsion of said member from the club is a possibility.
16. All moneys due the Club must be paid in full prior to Big Game Season.
Article III Meetings and Work Weekends:
1. The annual club meeting shall be held during February, March, or April of each year at a time and place
determined by the Club officers.
2. Club Board of Director meetings will be held the Friday before all work weekends and the summer picnic at 6pm unless otherwise announced. Items that will be discussed at these times are what will be taking place that particular weekend. Any issues / concerns will be addressed at a separate meeting, to be scheduled accordingly.
3. Special meetings may be called by the President at such time as he deems necessary to conduct Club
business.
4. At the annual club meeting, one-fourth of the membership shall constitute a quorum.
5. For any special meeting as deemed necessary upon direction of the President, The Secretary/Treasurer, shall send a written or email notice to each Board Member at least ten (10) days prior to a meeting date. A minimum quorum of 5 Board of Directors shall be present at said meeting. If a special meeting is required, and it affects the entire membership, then the entire membership will be notified of such.
6. During work weekends, the club will supply breakfast (between 7 and 8AM), lunch (between 12 and 1PM), and dinner (between 530 and 630PM) on Saturday and breakfast (8AM) on Sunday unless otherwise posted.
7. Members must report to work on Saturday by 8:00 a.m. and will be assigned to a work detail until Sunday 11 a.m. in order to receive credit for work weekend, otherwise a $50 penalty may be assessed. If a member is hospitalized or otherwise physically unable to work at the time of the work weekend, he will not be assessed upon notifying the Secretary or Treasurer. Members of retirement age (62) will not be assessed for work weekends.
8. All monies spent by members on club purchases, including food for club events, will be reimbursed or paid in advance to the individual(s) by club check, not cash. No club expenses will be reimbursed to individual members without proper receipts.
9. All cash payments to any member will be forwarded to the treasurer for proper documenting and
categorizing.
10. Two work weekends (1 in spring and 1 in fall) are scheduled each year. A $50 fee is charged to members who are not present or do not partake in Club work during work weekends. The member is responsible for forwarding this charge to the Club Treasurer within 30 days of each work weekend. A 10% late fee will be added to this charge if it is not paid within 30 days of the weekend; the late fee will increase by 10% for every 30 days that the base charges and late fees remains unpaid. If a member cannot make a scheduled work weekend, they may be assigned tasks at a more convenient time for them and not be assessed the fee. Members need to contact 1 of the club officers for a work detail to make up for the missed work weekend. This detail must be completed within 1 month of the work weekend. Members are also exempt from fall work weekend if their annual dues are paid in full by May 15th.
Article IV Club Officers and Committees:
1. The following officers shall be elected at the annual meeting for a three (3) year term beginning May 1st following the election: President, Vice-President, Secretary / Treasurer. If any officer does not uphold
his/her obligation of that office, after being addressed by the BOD’s, by a majority vote of the BOD’s, said
officer may be removed from his/her office and another board member may be appointed to fill said office until the next annual meeting when the membership can vote on that officer’s position.
2. Only current Board of Directors with 3 full years of service on the Board may run for the office of
President, Vice President, Secretary / Treasurer. If one (1) of the occupied officers wishes to step down, and if there is no one on the board that is nominated and accepting to take over an officer’s position, then said position would be open to the full membership.
3. Prior to a member running for a seat as a Board member, said nominee must be:
A. A member in good standings with three (3) full years of membership (Member can be nominated in his / her 4th year of membership, no sooner)
B. Be actively involved in club functions and activities.
4. The Board of Directors shall be elected to govern the Club. The Board shall consist of the three (3) Club
Officers, no less than four (4), no more than six (6) board members, and the immediate past- President and / or Secretary / treasurer to serve for one (1) year.
5. The Board Members shall be elected as follows: Two (2) Board of Directors shall be elected each year to
hold office for three (3) years. The Board shall establish rules governing use of Club facilities, fix rates for
dues and assessments, and oversee and establish policy for expenditure of Club funds.
6. Two (2) Board of Director positions and one (1) officers’ position will be voted on every year at the annual banquet.
7. The President shall preside at all Board and Club meetings, appoint committees as needed and direct all Club activities.
8. The Vice-President shall act in lieu of the President in the event of the President’s absence or disability.
9. The Secretary/Treasurer shall maintain and disburse funds and perform such other duties within the power of his/her office.
10. The President and the Secretary/Treasurer shall not be required to pay annual dues. The Vice President shall not be required to pay ½ annual dues. The Vice President’s requirements will be voted on by the Board of Directors yearly.
11. The President shall approve or disapprove all nominees for membership. The Secretary/Treasurer shall then invite nominees to join the club.
12. The President, Vice President and /or Secretary / Treasurer shall be responsible for the following: To direct activities on work weekends, to arrange for firewood and other fuels and to arrange for maintenance of club facilities, generators, and other equipment. Any member can make recommendations or notifications to a Club Officer or Board of Director if he or she sees something that needs to be addressed.
13. The Secretary/Treasurer shall notify all Board members of scheduled meetings a minimum of ten (10) days prior to the meeting date.
14. Board members are required to attend at least 50% of meetings in order to be eligible for the same office during the following year. Board members missing two consecutive meetings will be notified via mail, phone, or e-mail that they are on probation. Board members missing a 3rd meeting in a row will be
dismissed from the board.
15. A quorum will consist of a minimum of five (5) board members and include either the President or Vice President.
Article V Guest:
1. A guest is defined as one adult (18 years of age or older), a couple, or a married couple and children less than 18 years of age who visit the club for any period of time. A couple or a married couple is 1 fee, not 2.
2. Fees are required for guests that do not stay overnight but visit for any purpose (e.g., fishing, hunting small game, viewing the property, and cabin construction).
3. Members are entitled to one significant other (companion or spouse) without paying guest fees. Single
members that do not have a significant other (companion or spouse) may bring in another person (friend) as their guest (share their cabin) at no charge while on the lease provided, they give that person’s (friends
name) to the Club Secretary/Treasurer in writing prior to them being on the lease. Any other person brought in as a guest will be charged accordingly.
4. Children who are full-time students or in the Armed Forces and under the age of 25 do not owe guest fees if they are with a club member or paid guest. Said children must become associate members if they wish to use the Club unattended by a full-time member
5. It is mandatory that each member register themselves and all guests upon entering and leaving the Club property at the main gate registration booth. Club members are required to meet and log their guests into the guest register at the main gate. Failure to register yourself or your guests properly could lead to dismissal. GUESTS ARE NOT PERMITTED TO BE ON THE LEASE IF THE MEMBER IS NOT IN RESIDENCE.
6. Guest fees are as follows: April 1 to end of Big Game Season – $10 per day; from end of Big Game Season to April 1st – $5 per day. Fees are owed if the guest is on the lease for 1 hour or 1 day. There are no guest fees for parents of retirement age, non-members who work on work weekend, or non-members visiting during the Clubs summer picnic. A couple or a married couple is one (1) fee, not two (2)
7. Guest fees are typically owed for showing the property to prospective members. Exceptions are permitted for board members showing the lease to prospective members solicited through public media (upon approval of the Club President).
8. Members are responsible for forwarding guest fees to the Secretary/Treasurer within 30 days of the dates that the guest uses the lease. A 10% late fee will be charged to the guest costs, and increase another 10% every 30 days that the fee remains unpaid.
9. Guests are not allowed to hunt big game. Guests are not permitted to carry firearms on the Lease during big game hunting season. Guests shall not transport big game across Club property. Failure to comply could lead to ejection of guest and dismissal of member. A member may request from the President to purchase a guest hunting pass from the Club (at the time of this publication date, 5/5/16, the fee is $400.00), for seven consecutive days of big game hunting. The President will then review the request with the Board of Directors. The Board will review each request on a case-by-case basis, year by year. The board has the right to approve or disapprove the request if they feel that the request is not an appropriate request. Upon approval of the request, the member shall pay in advance to the Club Treasurer monies due for said hunt. The Board will notify the member of their decision within 1 week of receiving the request. Former members may not take advantage of this plan during the first 5 years following their last full-membership year.
A. Guest using club during big game season to hunt State land must exit the club’s main gate for access. State land access cannot be via club property.
10. Single members of retirement age (62) are entitled to one (1) guest free of charge.
11. Members are responsible for conduct of their guests.
12. The same person may not be a guest more than four (4) days in any month.
13. Only members have the privilege of inviting guests to the Club. Sons and daughters of members do not have this privilege.
14. Past full members with less than ten (10) consecutive years of membership may not be invited as guests for two (2) years following termination of their membership.
Article VI Special rules for conduct on state lands, right-of-ways, and lakes:
1. Members will not stop motorized vehicles on state land (the right or way between Station Rd and Clear Pond Rd), except to unload or load equipment from the immediate roadside. No matter what type of permit said member may have obtained from NYS.
2. Parking of motorized vehicles is not permitted anywhere on state lands, you are parking if you turn off your engine. Vehicle must be attended. If it is not running, it is parked.
3. Motorized vehicles may not drive or park on side roads (blocked with felled trees) near either lake.
4. Motors of 10 HP or less are currently permitted on Bog Lake only. There are no motors allowed on Clear Pond. These privileges may be revoked by the DEC at any time. Boat motors are not allowed on Lows Lake.
5. Type III personal flotation devises (PFDs) are required to be on all persons (especially children) using boats, canoes, or kayaks on all lakes.
6. Helmets are required to be on all persons (ESPECIALLY CHILDREN) using ATVs and snowmobiles
anywhere on the Club property.
7. Failure of a member or a member’s guest to comply with stated regulations will result in a fine of at least $250.00, and possible expulsion of the member from the Club.
8. There will be no ice fishing allowed on Clear Pond or Bog Lake.
Article VII Miscellaneous Rules
1. No baitfish are to be brought into any Club waters.
2. Motors on boats will be restricted to 10 horsepower or less.
3. Children must wear life preservers when in boats and near the water’s edge.
4. Persons riding boats for pleasure must keep at least 150 feet from fishermen.
5. Children under 12 are required to have adult supervision when near lakes, in the water, in boats, or operating snowmobiles and ATVs.
6. Club cabins are available on a first come basis; however, individual members are required to share cabins (unused bedroom or living room) with other members if both cabins are occupied.
7. Members using the House or Squirrel Lodge must sign their names and dates in the building register of each lodge.
8. Club members without private cabins are limited to the use of one Club cabin for his/her family and all their guests.
9. Club members with private cabins cannot use Club cabins for themselves or their guests, except during
winter / use of seasonal showers.
10. The Club will not be responsible for personal items, food, or equipment left at the lodge or in any Club cabins.
11. No does will be taken on the Club property, nor will does taken on other properties be allowed to be
transported through Club property.
12. All complaints are to be in writing, signed, and mailed or delivered to any Club Officer. Complaints
following this procedure will receive a written reply.
13. A record shall be kept of Deer and Bear taken during Big Game Season, with any kill being reported to the Secretary. A record shall also be kept for any species of trout taken during the fishing season, this to include a note of any clipped fins as well.
14. The generator shall be checked before starting (oil, radiator water, battery level) and recorded in the
generator Log with member’s signature of its condition.
15. The generator shall not be left running unsupervised.
16. There shall be no garbage left on Club properties.
17. There shall be no perishable foods left in the Lodge or Club cabins.
18. Stoves and refrigerators in the Lodge or Club cabins shall be kept clean.
19. Gas cylinders are to be shut off when leaving the Lodge or Club cabins.
20. All ashes in stoves shall be removed before starting fires and wood boxes replenished when leaving the Club cabins.
21. Numbers on each 100-pound propane cylinder picked up at the generator building will be recorded on the propane log in the Lodge. Empty propane tanks have to be returned to the same location (right side) and corresponding numbers recorded on the propane log. Payments have to be submitted to the Treasurer within 30 days. A 10% late fee will be added to the cost of each propane bottle if not paid within this period; the late fee will increase another 10% for every 30 days that the fee remains unpaid.
22. All motor vehicles on club property will operate according to New York State regulations. All ATVs,
snowmobiles, and boats with motors shall be registered and insured as required by NY State. No private cars or trucks may be kept on club property if not registered.
23. The Clubs main road will be closed to vehicle access the Sunday following the weekend ending the regular big game season.
24. Club equipment may be borrowed by club members for personal use only if said member has knowledge of how to operate equipment and his / her name is on the list of approved operators. A Club Officer or Board of Director will review the condition of equipment before and after the equipment is used. Club members shall top off the fuel in equipment, and a monetary donation to the club is expected for the personal use of said equipment.
25. A current camp owner may not have/purchase a camper/tent site. Camper/tent sites are reserved for
members that don’t have or are part of a cabin.
Article VIII Housing and Zoning:
1. Any renovation to an existing cabin, Plans and specifications must be submitted to the Club President for review. No camp may exceed 480 square feet of floor space including any porches. Once the Club President approves the plans, a Lyme representative must approve the exact location, and a building permit must be obtained from the Town of Long Lake. A copy of this permit must be forwarded to the Secretary prior to initiating construction.
2. The member shall construct and maintain an outhouse at each approved site. This structure shall be
constructed to meet or exceed the standards of the Adirondack Park Agency requirements. Grey water from a shower or sink must drain into some form of underground pit or dry well. It is unacceptable to allow this water to drain on top of the ground.
3. All camp areas must be kept clean and not distract from the overall appearance of the Lease.
4. All camps will be identified with the owner’s name, address, and telephone number in a visible location.
5. Any camp owner who fails to pay their yearly dues or cabin tax on time will be given a 30-day notice. If said dues are not paid within the next 30 days, the Club shall take possession of the camp. The owner, accompanied by a Club Officer, shall be given two (2) consecutive weekends to remove their personal possessions. The Club will than post a notice stating that the said camp will be auctioned off to the highest bidder. Minimum bid will be the amount owed plus 10%. The Club shall retain the minimum bid with the remainder of the auction price going to the former owner.
6. No camp may be sold until all monies owed the Club are paid in full.
7. Camps can only be sold to another full time Club member.
8. All camps will maintain at least one working smoke / carbon monoxide detector.
9. One club member will be elected by the Board of Directors each spring to inspect cabins and adjacent
property. Owners will receive written notification for required alterations.
10. Members requested by Lyme, APA, DEC or the Club to make physical alterations to their cabins,
outhouses, landscape, or other personal property on the lease will have 30 days to make said corrections
following written communication. If corrective action is not taken within the 30 days, the Club may correct the issue and charge the cabin owner for needed work. Under these circumstances, the Board will determine whether his/her membership should be terminated.
11. All members are allowed to use trails and tote roads for access to hunt an area. However, said member should use discretion/courtesy for other members that may be in that area, already hunting.
Article VIII Approval of By-laws:
1. These By-laws shall become effective upon approval by a majority of a quorum of Board of Directors.
2. These By-laws may be amended at any meeting of the Board of Directors by a majority of those present.
Revised 2/25/2008, BPB
Revised and Approved 5/8/2016, RJM – 13 YES
Revised and Approved 4/7/2018, RJM – Annual Banquet meeting – 10 YES
Revised and Approved 2/2/2019, RJM – Issue to members Annual Banquet 4/6/2019 – 12 YES
Revised and Approved 5/14/2021, RJM – BOD Meeting 5/14/2021 – 8 YES / 0 NO
Revised and Approved 8/5/2022, RJM – BOD Meeting 8/5/2022 – 8 YES / 0 NO
Revised and Approved 4/1/2023, RJM – Annual Banquet Meeting – 8 YES / 0 NO – Issued to Members at
Banquet 4/1/2023
Revised 9/1/2023 Approved 9/8/2023, RJM – BOD Meeting 9/8/2023 – 7 YES / O NO
Revised 1/1/2024 Approved 1/6/2024, RJM – BOD Meeting 1/6/2024 – 8 YES / 0 NO
